Ghost ant
Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum
Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae
Size: Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm (adult workers)

Natural Habitat
Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions; found in homes, greenhouses, and gardens, often nesting in walls and soil.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; primarily feeds on honeydew and sweet substances but also consumes insects.
Behavior Patterns
Known for their rapid, erratic movement and characteristic pale, translucent abdomen and legs; highly mobile and can easily establish new colonies.
Risks & Benefits
Considered a nuisance pest in households; can contaminate food but does not pose major health risks or provide significant ecosystem benefits.
Identified on: 5/13/2026